Title: Building a Model Astrolabe Authors: Dominic Ford
This paper presents a hands-on introduction to the medieval astrolabe, based around a working model which can be constructed from photocopies of the supplied figures. As well as describing how to assemble the model, I also provide a brief explanation of how each of its various parts might be used. The printed version of this paper includes only the parts needed to build a single model prepared for use at latitudes around 52°N, but an accompanying electronic file archive includes equivalent images which can be used to build models prepared for use at any other latitude. The vector graphics scripts used to generate the models are also available for download, allowing customised astrolabes to be made.
A rare medieval astronomy tool will remain in Britain after the British Museum managed to gather enough money to buy it. Last year, the museum was outbid at an auction to buy the brass device, called an astrolabe quadrant. But money from the National Heritage Memorial fund, The Art Fund and the British Museum Friends helped the museum purchase it recently for £350,000.
The Canterbury Astrolabe Quadrant, thought to date from 1388, is the only one of its kind definitely made in England. Read more